“Walking with Jesus” 1st YMCA Asia Mission Conference

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The 1st YMCA Asia Pacific Mission Network Conference was held on September 11-13, 2023, in Chennai, India. Under the theme, “Walking with Jesus”, the participants embarked on a journey to renew and enhance the Christian mission of the YMCA. In particular, the participants shared meaningful ways to engage the local YMCAs in this journey amidst the diverse and changing contexts. The conference brought together 54 passionate YMCA leaders, volunteers, and staff from several countries in the Asia Pacific region and invitees from Europe and the USA.

YMCA World Mission Network is an informal group of YMCA leaders, volunteers, local units and staff dedicated to strengthening the Christian mission of the YMCA. Operating on relationships rather than institutional structures, the network focuses on the experience and practice of the Christian mission. Its objectives include:

* building unity,

* providing a platform for fellowship, sharing and transformation,

* equipping YMCA leaders,

* preserving history, and

* fostering partnerships.


The Mission Network began in 2002 in Chile, South America and has since grown in Latin America, Europe, and the US. It aims to recruit YMCAs from other areas and expects to significantly impact leadership and the application of Christian values in the 21st century.

During the conference, Peter Ho General Secretary of the YMCA of Hong Kong, shared valuable insights on the theme “Walking with Jesus, Brings Clarity to Confusion”. A keynote address was also delivered by Joe Schmutz of YMCA Munich Germany from which he emphasized on the importance of dwelling deeper into the Christian Values and Christian heritage of the YMCA.

The conference included reflections on the following sub-themes:

  • “Walking with Jesus has the power to transform our doubts into unwavering faith”.
  • “Walking with Jesus ignites our hearts with passion”.

Rev. Samuel D. Stephens, President of the Salem YMCA shared the crux of the “conference” emphasising on the fact that the gathering was more about meeting with likeminded people on building relationships and developing the Christian mission of the YMCA. The call to concretely do actions as a way of expressing faith in God through YMCA was the invitation to all participants and supporters of the gathering.

Moving forward, a core team has been formed to regularly meet online to share updates on their YMCA involvement and their commitment to the formation of the network in the region. The Strategic follow-up plan to establish and grow the YMCA Asian Mission Network includes:

  • Bi-monthly core group meetings
  • National Gathering (April 25-27, 2024; Mumbai, India)
  • Asia Mission Network Leaders’ Gathering (Hong Kong, Singapore)
  • 2nd YMCA Asia Mission Conference (Preceding APAY General Assembly)
  • Different ways digital and social media tools will be utilized to implement the strategic plan for the YMCA Asian Mission Network


Joe RZ Thanga, YMCA of India and Maria Cristina Miranda, Hong Kong